ISLAMABAD: Kashmiris across the globe, along with Pakistan, are observing January 5 as “Right to Self-Determination Day,” reaffirming their commitment to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and their struggle to determine their political future through a free and impartial plebiscite.
Pakistan on Monday observed “Right to Self-Determination Day,” reaffirming its support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their ongoing struggle for self-determination.
The 1949 UN resolution recognised Jammu and Kashmir as an international dispute and rejected claims that the territory was solely an internal matter of India. It stipulated that the final status of the region would be determined under UN supervision according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
“Sadly, this commitment remains unfulfilled to this day, as the resolution has never been implemented, due to India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.” Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a statement.
Analysts note that the resolution remains part of the UN’s official record and has neither been revoked nor lost its legal validity, yet the promised plebiscite has never been held.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Islamabad’s unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “To our Kashmiri brothers and sisters, Pakistan will continue to extend its unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support to your cause and will continue to serve as your voice at every available platform,” Sharif said in his statement.
Sharif condemned India’s unilateral actions since August 5, 2019, describing them as attempts to alter the region’s demographic and political landscape. He highlighted the continued detention of political leaders, harassment of civilians, and restrictions on media and political groups as evidence of ongoing oppression.
“We urge the international community to urgently call upon India to halt its widespread human rights violations in IIOJK, reverse its unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019, repeal the draconian laws and give the right to self-determination to the Kashmiri people, as enshrined in the United Nations Security Council resolutions.,” he said, underscoring the country’s legal and diplomatic response to India’s claims.
Kashmiri political groups emphasized that January 5 serves as an annual reminder that “military control cannot substitute the will of the people.” The day also highlights what they describe as the denial of their right to self-determination rather than a mere territorial dispute. Events and statements marking the day reiterated that until UN resolutions are implemented, January 5 will continue to symbolize an unfulfilled international commitment to the Kashmiri people.
Sharif pledged that Pakistan would continue to extend moral, political, and diplomatic support to Kashmiris and represent their cause on international platforms, calling on the global community to urge India to halt human rights violations and uphold the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
“The world must also recognize that a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is the only way to achieve durable peace in South Asia.” said Sharif.
